Official Unofficial Holiday 2012 Savings Calendar

The holidays are just around the corner, a time when budgets are often stretched thin but savings opportunities abound. To help you navigate this holiday shopping season like a pro, we’ve created the Official Unofficial Holiday 2012 Savings Calendar. As you start making your list and checking it twice, look to the calendar for insider tips and shop-smart strategies, including all the best days to snag deals to help even the most savvy shoppers score unexpected bargains in November and December. From advice on when to ship packages to coupon codes for savings on the gifts you wish were under the tree, this guide is sure to keep your holidays and your wallet happy.

November 15th is Clean Your Refrigerator Day. How can you stock up on all those Thanksgiving Day favorites without first making room in the Frigidaire? Clear space for the big bird and be sure the freezer has room to hold yummy leftovers.

November 18th is Get Your Frozen Turkey Day. The average turkey (to feed 10) weighs 16 pounds which means four days of thawing time, so purchase your turkey the weekend before Thanksgiving to be safe. Buying fresh? Pick up your bird by Tuesday the 20th.

November 23rdis Black Friday. This year, you won’t need your tent and sleeping bag to snag those deals. More retailers will be offering Black Friday door busters online. While it’s still a gamble, you can try your luck grabbing one of these rock bottom deals from the comforts of home.

November 24this Small Business Saturday. In support of your local economy, take time to hit your neighborhood shops for unique and personal gifts you can’t find elsewhere.

November 25th is Deck the Halls Day. You survived Thanksgiving, Black Friday has passed and you showed support for your local businesses. Now it’s time to enjoy Sunday gather up the family, hang those holiday decorations and relax by the fire. The deals will still be there next weekend!

November 26th is Cyber Monday. Everyone will be online to grab a deal, bringing the online scammers out of their caves. Only shop from trusted sites because chances are there will be a high volume of scams. For added security, log on to a site by typing in the URL yourself, rather than following an email link. And when you checkout, look for “https” at the beginning of the URL. The “s” indicates a secure checkout.

December 10th is Green Monday. Regarded as one of the biggest shopping days leading up to the holidays, retailers can’t resist advertising special sales to get you in the shopping mood. So why not take advantage? Green Monday deals can be found all over.

December 14th is Stamp and Ship Day. The post office in December is enough to send even the most relaxed person into a holiday tailspin. If you plan on sending holiday cards or presents, mailing them today will ensure they get to your loved ones in time for all the festivities and will help you avoid extra holiday and rush postal charges, plus the stress of longer lines later in the month.

December 17th is Free Shipping Day. No one wants to pay for shipping, so remember this is a great day to save a bundle on shipping fees if you prefer your packages be signed, sealed and delivered. If your preferred retailer isn’t participating, be sure to check Coupons.com for “free shipping” codes and other ways to save on your shopping!

December 23rdis National eGift Card Day. Procrastinated on a present for that hard-to-buy-for family member in your life? It’s too late to send a gift, but a $25 e-gift card is always more welcome than the last minute dreaded ugly mitten and scarf set anyway.

December 26this Coupon Code Day. If Santa didn’t bring what you really wanted, don’t despair. Coupon codes are a great way to save on everything from toys to apparel to that new camera you’ve been lusting after. Coupled with your holiday gift cards, coupon codes help you get big savings on the gifts that were really on your wish list.